CHAPTER 407: CHAPTER THREE HUNDRED AND NINETY-FOUR: A DILEMMA

In fact, countless geniuses at the beginning of their careers have set their sights on the Ninth Power Level, and they, like An Debine, have all boasted grandly. But in the end, those who succeed are as rare as phoenix feathers and unicorn horns—An Debine is probably no exception, and An Guangtian likely doesn’t truly believe he has any hope of becoming a Ninth Power Level cultivator either.

But no matter what, both father and son still clung to such hope.

Now, all hope was gone. Reinstatement itself was exceptionally difficult. Historically, few succeeded, and even the strongest among those who managed it only reached... the Fifth Energy Level.

Chen Jixian didn’t answer, instead turning to the utterly despairing An Guangtian. "The An Family," he said indifferently, "is truly finished."

Chen Jixian turned and walked away, leaving An Guangtian collapsed on the ground, wailing in complete despair.

He didn’t have the Principal’s ability—at least not yet—to enter the Star State alone and execute the mastermind. However, he *could* thoroughly crush the An Family. The Principal is a person of high status; such thorough destruction is beneath him. He wouldn’t do it. But I, Chen Jixian, am from a small place. I haven’t seen much of the world. Where I come from, we believe in kicking a man when he’s down!

Chen Gu had waited for over a day, but his unfilial son still hadn’t contacted him. He huffed. Fine, if you don’t come to see me, I won’t look for you either.

He called his grandson and granddaughter. "You’ve all arrived at Capital Star, haven’t you? Let’s get together as a family; your grandfather will treat."

He deliberately emphasized the words "as a family." Chen Qingyu was overjoyed, chattering to her grandfather about all the new things at her school and the gossip she’d encountered while promoting her album. She prattled on for nearly half an hour until her dorm mates called her for a meal, and only then did she hang up.

Chen Zili, on the other hand, seemed sullen. His grandfather had said the family should have a meal together, and Chen Zili, perhaps seeking some warmth, readily agreed.

Chen Gu was privately smug. So what if my son is unfilial? At least my grandson and granddaughter are obedient and well-behaved.

He was feeling quite pleased with himself when Qing Ruyan called. Her voice was serious. "Come back with me. The Director-General wishes to see you."

Chen Gu’s hair stood on end, like a startled cat.

"What... does she want with me?"

Qing Ruyan rolled her eyes on the other end of the line. "I’m just an assistant, alright? The Director-General wants to see you; how would I dare to question why?"

Chen Gu, feeling he had no choice, secretly hid the Valkyrie’s Guard on his wrist. Then he went out to meet Qing Ruyan, and they drove back to the city.

The moment Qing Ruyan got in the car, her eyes twinkled. "A Ground Palace Series Four? TSK TSK, you’re really something, aren’t you? You’ve only been on Capital Star for a few days and you’ve already changed cars."

Chen Gu shrugged and said nothing. But then he suddenly recalled that this car wasn’t something an ordinary person would recognize, which made him glance at Qing Ruyan again.

Back at the General Administration Bureau Headquarters, Chen Gu grew nervous again. He whispered to Qing Ruyan in a pleading tone, "How about you tell the Director-General you couldn’t find me?"

Qing Ruyan pushed him from behind. "Don’t be scared. The Director-General is actually very nice. You just have some misunderstandings about her."

This isn’t about misunderstandings, Chen Gu thought.

A few minutes later, on the top floor of the building, Chen Gu met the imposing Aviloya.

According to publicly available data, Aviloya was forty-seven years old this year, yet she still looked like a young woman in her early twenties. Her long, thick, jet-black hair was tied back in a simple ponytail. The two shining epaulets on her uniform, signifying her position as Director-General, made her shoulders seem slightly higher than usual, adding to the imposing aura of a high-ranking official.

"Director-General, Chen Gu is here," Qing Ruyan announced.

Chen Gu stood before Aviloya, resigned to his fate.

Aviloya glanced up, put down her work, and leaned back in her chair. She sized him up for a moment, making Chen Gu feel a little uneasy. Finally, a subtle, unreadable smile touched her lips as she said slowly, "You’ve been riding a wave of success lately.

"The data collection work with Dr. Meng Ji has concluded, so he’s no longer pestering you.

"You made quite a splash at school; even the Principal remembered your name.

"Zhong Yuanbei broke school rules and struck a student for your sake.

"The Behemoth Alliance owes you a favor and has arranged a wildcard spot for you in the competition."

Chen Gu remained silent. As long as she doesn’t mention the bracelet artifact, I’m fine! he thought.

"But haven’t you gotten a bit too comfortable lately? Do you plan to remain a Third Energy Level cultivator forever?"

Chen Gu’s eyes lit up. Does this mean Aviloya isn’t going to suppress my advancement anymore?

"I don’t!" Chen Gu snapped to attention like a new recruit answering an officer. "I want to advance! I want to reach the Ninth Power Level!"

"The Ninth Power Level? Heh." Aviloya scoffed dismissively, offering no further comment on that. She gestured, and a light screen appeared before Chen Gu. "These are the various resources required for a Radiation Missionary to advance to the Fourth Energy Level."

Chen Gu scanned the list, memorizing it all instantly. He then looked at Aviloya with a resigned air. "Alright, I admit it will be very difficult for me to gather these resources on my own. What are the Bureau’s conditions?"

Aviloya wouldn’t have summoned me for no reason to talk about my advancement, Chen Gu thought. She definitely doesn’t want to see me any more than I want to see her.

Sure enough, Aviloya immediately replied, "Dr. Meng Ji’s research has reached the experimental stage, and we’ve begun selecting test subjects.

"As long as you cooperate with Dr. Meng Ji through this phase, and if the experiments successfully produce even one multi-class individual, the Bureau will provide all the resources for your advancement to the Fourth Energy Level. That includes the generator!"

Chen Gu was speechless.

This is utterly ridiculous, he thought. I know for a fact that Dr. Meng Ji’s research direction is completely wrong. It’s impossible for it to produce any multi-class individuals. But I can’t say that outright. The experiment is doomed to fail, regardless of my cooperation. And if the experiment doesn’t succeed, I won’t get the Bureau’s support.

Chen Gu left the Director-General’s office in a daze. He walked a long way before his head cleared, and a wry smile touched his lips. Well, this trip wasn’t entirely fruitless. At least now I know what I need to advance to the Fourth Energy Level.

Forget it, Chen Gu mused. No point relying on the Bureau. I’ll have to find a way to gather these materials myself.

This realization gave him a headache. This time, even if I sell everything I own, it won’t be enough.

Fortunately, his skill points were still quite a way off from the requirements for advancing to the Fourth Energy Level. He still had some time to figure things out.

As Chen Gu returned to school, he occasionally saw promotional posters for his granddaughter, Chen Qingyu. With a ’gorilla’ pulling the strings, the young woman was already making a name for herself in the music scene and steadily gaining popularity.